Three Aspects of the Hindu Divine

This section focuses on the three aspects of the divine in Hinduism. In Hinduism, God is understood to have three primary aspects, each of which represents a different dimension of the Divine. These aspects are interconnected yet distinct, offering a rich and multifaceted understanding of God’s nature.

Antaryami (Brahman - The Ultimate Reality)

The first aspect of the Hindu Divine is Antaryami, which is essentially God as Brahman, the formless, all-encompassing, and infinite reality. Brahman is seen as the source of all creation, both manifest and unmanifest, and it transcends all human understanding due to its limitless nature. Hindus believe that Brahman is present in every part of the universe, and that it is beyond the reach of words and thoughts, yet it is intimately connected with every being.

Many Hindus engage in the practice of meditation on Antaryami, or the Divine presence within their hearts. This meditation helps them to become aware of Brahman, bringing peace and balance to their minds and spirits. Through this inward reflection, they come closer to understanding the Divine and experiencing unity with the universe.

Bhagavan (Ishvara - The Personal God)

The second aspect of the Divine is Bhagavan (also known as Ishvara), which refers to God as a personal deity, distinct from the abstract formless Brahman. Bhagavan is viewed as the supreme being who governs the universe, and many Hindus seek to establish a personal relationship with this aspect of God. Unlike Brahman, Bhagavan is immanent and accessible, often depicted with specific qualities such as knowledge, power, and benevolence.

The Vishnu Purana, a sacred Hindu text, describes Bhagavan as possessing six qualities of opulence: strength, fame, wealth, knowledge, beauty, and renunciation. These qualities reflect the supreme power of Bhagavan and help devotees connect with the Divine in a more personal and meaningful way. Through worship, prayer, and devotion, Hindus strive to cultivate a loving relationship with Bhagavan, who is seen as the source of divine guidance and compassion.

The Trimurti (The Three Forms of God)

In Hinduism, God is also worshipped through various deities that manifest different aspects of the Divine. The most well-known expression of this is the Trimurti, the "three deities" that represent the essential functions of the universe. These three deities are Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, each of whom plays a distinct role in the continuous cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction. The Trimurti embodies the dynamic processes that sustain life and cosmic order.

Brahma – The Creator

Brahma is known as the creator of the universe, and his role is central to the cycle of samsara (the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth). He is typically depicted with four heads, representing the four directions of space and the omnipresent nature of his creation. Each of Brahma’s four arms holds an object that symbolises his divine power:

• A rosary, representing time and the cyclical nature of creation.
• A water pot, signifying the potential for creation and the nourishment of life.
• A sceptre in the form of a spoon, symbolising his authority over sacrifices and rituals.
• Sacred texts (the Vedas), representing his role as the source of all knowledge.
• A lotus flower, symbolising the emergence of creation from the primordial waters.

Brahma is often depicted seated on a divine swan, representing the soul’s journey towards union with the Divine. Interestingly, there is only one temple dedicated solely to Brahma in India, located in Rajasthan.

Vishnu – The Protector

Vishnu, known as The Pervader, is the preserver of the universe. Hindus believe that Vishnu incarnates in various forms, or avatars, to restore balance and protect creation. There are traditionally ten avatars of Vishnu, with nine believed to have already incarnated on Earth. The tenth avatar, Kalki, is prophesied to appear at the end of the current cosmic cycle to restore justice.

Vishnu is often depicted with a dark blue complexion, symbolising his all-pervading nature. He is shown with four arms, each holding a symbolic item:

• A conch shell, which produces the sound of om (the sacred sound that represents all creation) and is often blown at the start of Hindu ceremonies.
• A discus (chakra), representing Vishnu’s divine power to protect dharma and destroy evil.
• A mace, symbolising control over time and the power of knowledge.
• A lotus flower, representing purity, serenity, and the creative power of Vishnu.

Devotees of Vishnu are known as Vaishnavites, and their worship focuses on his qualities of protection, mercy, and compassion.

Shiva – The Destroyer and Transformer

Shiva is one of the most complex and revered deities in Hinduism. Known as both The Destroyer and The Transformer, Shiva’s role is essential for the ongoing cycle of creation and destruction. Through destruction, Shiva brings about renewal and transformation, creating space for new beginnings. His destructive nature is seen as a positive force that clears away negativity, enabling growth and spiritual evolution.

Shiva is often depicted with several distinct features:

• A third eye in the middle of his forehead, symbolising his ability to see beyond the material world and perceive the true nature of reality. It is said that when Shiva opens his third eye, he destroys all that is evil or unnecessary.
• A snake coiled around his neck, representing Shiva’s mastery over fear and his ability to remain calm and composed even in the face of danger.
• A crescent moon on his head, symbolising the mind’s capacity for spiritual wisdom and tranquillity.
• A trident (trishul), representing the three gunas (qualities) of tamas (ignorance), rajas (passion), and sattva (goodness), and symbolising Shiva’s power to transcend these qualities.

Shiva is also revered as the god of yoga and meditation, with many yogis dedicating their practices to him. He is often referred to as Nataraja, the Lord of Dance, and his movements represent the cosmic rhythms of creation and destruction.

The three main aspects of the Hindu Divine; Brahman (the Ultimate Reality), Bhagavan (the personal deity), and the Trimurti (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva); offer a multifaceted and deeply interconnected understanding of God. Through these different aspects, Hindus are able to connect with the Divine in various ways, whether through the formless, omnipresent Brahman, the personal relationship with Bhagavan, or the active roles played by the Trimurti in the cosmic cycle. These deities embody different aspects of life, from creation and preservation to destruction and transformation, and they serve as models for spiritual practice and devotion.